You might have thought that Ogun East senator Gbenga Daniel and Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State have always been on the same side, given their current collaboration in the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, a shocking revelation by Abiodun has exposed a deep-rooted tension between them that dates back to the 2023 Senate election.

Governor Abiodun, while receiving members of Daniel's political family and loyalists of the late Senator Buruji Kashamu into the APC in Abeokuta, disclosed that he was cautioned against supporting Daniel's emergence as the APC senatorial candidate in 2023 due to fears that the former governor might turn against him later.

Abiodun, in a statement, revealed that he was advised to be cautious of Daniel's intentions, citing that the former governor had expressed uncertainty over who would become the next governor of Ogun State, despite one of the contenders belonging to his political party.

In a veiled reference to Daniel's current behavior, Abiodun lamented: "Now the gloves are off. He is the same person that we heard in an audio saying he had taken someone to court."

The governor also expressed concern over Daniel's recent relaunch of his foundation, which had Hon. Ladi Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, as a special guest of honor. Abiodun believes this indicates that Daniel has chosen to operate outside the mainstream of the APC, despite remaining a respected figure in Ogun State.

Daniel's media aide, Steve Oliyide, has, however, denied that the former governor relaunched any foundation, insisting that the gathering was merely a reunion of old and new members of the Gateway Front Foundation ahead of its 25th anniversary.

Daniel's media office had earlier distanced him from a circulating audio recording, describing it as manipulated and fabricated.

The audio, which has been in circulation for over six weeks, has been described as a manipulated and doctored material, aimed at misrepresenting Daniel's reputation and advancing a premeditated political agenda.

In a stern warning, Abiodun cautioned politicians across the state to shun the misuse of power: "You don't begin to act as if you are God. You don't begin to play as if you are an emperor. God gives us power and looks at how we use it. If you utilise it very well, God will leave it with you for a long time to continue to wield it. If you abuse it, God will take it away from you and give it to somebody else."

Abiodun's words of caution come at a time when the APC is preparing for the 2027 elections, in which Daniel and other notable politicians are expected to play significant roles.

With the tension between Abiodun and Daniel now in the open, one wonders what the future holds for these politicians in the APC.